As the local branch of the Pontifical Society of the Holy Childhood (POSI) in Rome, we are the international child welfare organisation of the Catholic Church in Germany. Learn more about how to apply for funding and implement projects for children with our support by browsing this website.
On former Kindermissionswerk president Winfried Pilz
Fr. Winfried Pilz was President of Kindermissionswerk 'Die Sternsinger' from 2000 to 2010; he died in 2019. Winfried Pilz had been listed as a perpetrator of abuse in the Archdiocese of Cologne since 2012. In June 2022, the Archdiocese of Cologne publicized this information in order that other potential victims might contact the Archdiocese of Cologne.
Kindermissionswerk supports all efforts that contribute to the search for potential victims and to dealing with Fr. Pilz’s abusive past. With this in mind, Kindermissionswerk commissioned an external, independent investigation into Fr. Winfried Pilz's time in office at Kindermissionswerk. The aim of the investigation was to look into any sexually abusive behavior on the part of the former president. This report was published on 24.08.2023 (see link: https://www.sternsinger.de/ueber-uns/untersuchung-zum-fall-pilz/).
The investigation found no evidence that Pilz had committed sexual abuse against minors during his time in office. However, there are indications of sexual boundary violations against employees by Fr. Winfried Pilz.
Internal factors that enabled and reinforced Winfried Pilz's abusive behavior are addressed in the report in the form of recommendations to Kindermissionswerk. These recommendations are currently being processed by Kindermissionswerk.
Winfried Pilz traveled to many different countries and visited projects in his capacity as President of Kindermissionswerk. If you have any indications of sexually abusive behavior by Fr. Winfried Pilz in your country, please contact the officer in charge of safeguarding at Kindermissionswerk:
Child Protection Sector
Susanne Brenner-Büker
+49 241 4461 71